John’s background and drive to help Foxton
He sees potential in the town
John Girling travelled the world as an industrial psychologist working with large organisations to manage their greatest resource, people.
Girling spent 15 years in China as a registered foreign expert in agriculture and education where he helped develop projects in ostrich farming, cattle and goat husbandry, and exotic flowers.
After retiring 10 years ago, he returned to New Zealand with his wife to settle in Foxton. He chose the town for its climate, its price and because he could see potential.
Girling has been relentless on his mission to see this potential be realised and he is not looking to slow down anytime soon.
Girling wears many hats in Foxton including being an elected member of Foxton Community Board, chairman of Foxton Flax Stripper Museum, member of Foxton Futures governance group, an active member of Save Our River Trust, and a founding member of Environment Network Manawatu¯’s Manawatu¯ River Source to Sea.
He is also the working chairman of Personal Money Coaches, which helps run a community garden as a joint project with Salvation Army, providing fresh produce to their food packages.
Girling has also been a driving force behind restoring flow to the Foxton River Loop, a project which has started to regain traction and interest.
He was the founding chairman of Foxton Wildlife Trust.
Girling is a man of action, not just words. He uses the many skills and talents developed through his lifetime to drive initiatives, rally support and source funding.
Girling understands it all comes back to communication — how you communicate, how you understand and being able to provide real solutions and action.
He has always appreciated being in a position where he can get things done, finding you can do so much from a grassroots level, especially working with the greatest resource any community has — its people.
Environment Network Manawatu¯
is a hub for about 60 enviro groups, working in areas ranging from sustainable living to wildlife conservation. Find it on Facebook or visit enm.org.nz.